Mayor of the City of New York, Eric L. Adams, on May 23, presented Consul General Michael E. Brotherson with a Proclamation acknowledging the country’s invaluable contributions during a spirited flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green Square, Manhattan.

“One thing I’ve learned is that Guyanese do not hesitate to tell you they’re Guyanese. You look at my administration, and you see a reflection of the diversity and the beauty of this city,” remarked the politician introduced by NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, whose mother is Guyanese.

Mayor Adams said, “Bringing all the energies together shows how we can produce a great product. This is the only country where you are told not to leave your culture behind. We want you to infuse your culture with the experience here,” he said to celebrants whose nation gained independence on May 26, 1966. 

“In 59 years of independence, it is an amazing opportunity to lift the flag. Three years ago, for the first time, the Guyanese flag was raised here at Bowling Green. We made it clear under Commissioner Castro over at the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs that the immigrant community is a vital entity to this city and to this entire country,” said the politician. 

Adams stated, “When we raise your flags here, we state that we see you, we acknowledge you, and we thank you for what you do. We see you in our hospitals, our small businesses, our schools, our law enforcement community. We see you all throughout the neighborhoods.”

“As the poster behind me reflects how the Guyanese community, there’s little Guyana throughout the entire city. So, we raise your flag today because you have raised our hopes and aspirations in this great city we call New York. Happy Independence Day. 140,000 strong Guyanese in this city. Keep doing the great things you’re doing,” encouraged Mayor Adams.

Consul General to New York, Michael E. Brotherson, in turn, said he was delighted to “bring greetings from His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, the Government, and people of Guyana on this most auspicious occasion of observing the 59th Independence Anniversary of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.“ 

“I am especially happy to once again welcome Mayor Eric Adams at our national day celebration.  Mr. Mayor, I wish to assure you that we at the Consulate and the Permanent Mission are extremely mindful of your presence here today.”

“We believe that the excellent relations we share with your office is a lucid reflection of your leadership and your interest in ensuring Diasporans, including the Guyanese Diaspora, remain integral to life in New York City,” said the diplomat.

“Today’s event provides an opportunity for us to underscore that Guyana is an exciting and alluring destination because of the strides our nation is making and the development trajectory we are pursuing. This is due to the leadership of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the efforts of his government.“

“Today, Guyana’s economic growth and concomitant development are visible to even the most cursory onlooker. The well-being of Guyanese is constantly being improved, and in consonance with these achievements are contributed to by President Ali and the Government of Guyana,” he said.

“The Guyanese Diaspora in New York, the wider United States of America, and worldwide, have earned the recognition and respect that are accorded to them for the meaningful contributions they have made, and continue to make, to their respective community and the society.”

“Mr. Mayor, Guyanese are among those who continue to shine and play meaningful roles in the overall development of NYC; some serve in your administration with noticeable distinction.”

“I believe it is worth underscoring that the overall excellent bilateral relations that exist between Guyana and the United States of America are rooted in the many values our two nations share,” said CG Brotherson, adding, “Our Independence 59 years ago had placed on us the noble task of nation building and preserving our homeland.”

“Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora, can take this opportunity to reflect on and assimilate what our nation has become. Guyana continues to grow unhindered, and any attempt, from whatever source, to stymie our nation’s growth, development, and unity will be resisted with fervor and vigor,“ warned the diplomat.

“Thank you, Mayor Adams. Thank you, New York City.  Thank you, Guyanese Diaspora. Happy 59th Independence Anniversary, all,“ concluded the envoy.

In honor of the expatriates, Commissioner Manuel Castro of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs proudly unveiled a Guyana Gateway in Brooklyn and Little Guyana in Queens and the Bronx poster to Sookranie Dhanpat, South Asian Liaison, Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, Community Leader Richard David, and Bharati Sukul Kemraj.

Director of Operations, Events and Community Relations, Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, Marcia Martinez, also congratulated the immigrants.

Chairman of Bowling Green Association Arthur Piccolo also thanked Guyanese for raising their flag at the historic sight.

The auspicious occasion, celebrated with folk music by Rick Dalgetty & Tropical Rhythms and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead flag of freedom, was blessed by Rev. Dr. Carl E. Stuart, Imam Nezam Zan, and Pandit Ravi Doobay.

Additionally, on behalf of the Caricom Consular Corps, Consul General of St. Lucia Jeremiah Hyacinth congratulated Guyana on its achievement and contributions to New York alongside Consul Generals Andrea Laveau, Rondy “Luta” McIntosh, and Sheldon Peter.

The diplomatic offices thanked Ambassador Trishala Persaud and Diaspora Head, Fazil J. Yussuff, for their contributions, Anthony Allen for the beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, Isaish Chappelle, emcee, Parveena Ramotar, for the vote of thanks and also the staff members for their incredible work.